---
title: "Genital herpes: symptoms, causes & treatment | Sanara Health"
description: "Genital herpes causes recurrent painful blisters. Antiviral tablets shorten outbreaks and can reduce how often they return."
url: "https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/"
source: "Sanara Health"
licence: "Quote with attribution and a link to the url above."
---
# Genital herpes: symptoms, causes & treatment

Genital herpes causes recurrent painful blisters. Antiviral tablets shorten outbreaks and can reduce how often they return.

Editorial information by **Kaiser Khan**. Not clinically reviewed.

## Symptoms

- Painful blisters or sores
- Tingling before an outbreak
- Pain on urination
- Flu-like symptoms with first episode

## Why it happens

Herpes simplex virus (usually HSV-2, sometimes HSV-1). It stays in the body and can reactivate with stress, illness or UV exposure.

## Treatment

Antiviral tablets taken at outbreak onset shorten healing. Daily suppressive treatment reduces recurrence frequency in people with frequent flares.

## Self-care that helps

Start treatment at the first tingle; loose clothing; avoid sex during active outbreaks; disclose to partners honestly.

## When to get help

First episode, severe pain, inability to urinate, or symptoms in pregnancy — seek prompt clinical review.

[See our genital herpes support →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/)

Go deeper

## Related guides

[Genital herpes treatment UK: outbreaks, prevention and partner advice — UK genital herpes treatment online — antiviral tablets for outbreaks and daily prevention when flares are frequent.](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/genital-herpes-treatment-uk/)

Available without prescription

## Products that can help

[Everyday health — Vitamin D3: 1000 IU explained](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/vitamin-d3-1000iu/)

[Everyday health — Omega-3 fish oil](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/omega-3-fish-oil/)

[Everyday health — Daily multivitamins](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/daily-multivitamin/)